Phytochemical Screening And Antimicrobial Effect Of The Aqueous And Methanolic Extracts Of Roots Of <i>Balanites aegyptiaca</i> (del.) On Some Bacteria Species.
Abstract
The aqueous and methanolic extracts of the roots of Balanites aegyptiaca were screened for antimicrobial and phytochemical properties. The result indicated the presence of Flavonoids, tannins saponins, triterpenes and the two extracts, however alkaloids and steroids were absent in both extracts. The extracts were found to be active against Staphilococus aureus, Escherihcia coli, Pseudomonas aureginosa, Salmonella typhi and Candida albicans at different concentrations ranging from 100mg/ml – 3.125mg/ml. There was significant difference (p< 0.05) in the zones of inhibition by the methanolic extract. The methanolic extract had the highest and least MIC of 50mg/ml and 1.563mg/ml against S.typhi and C. albicans respectively. This justifies the use of the plant in the treatment of infectious diseases, most especially the root methanolic extract.